Landscape Ecology of Insects
Bees are among the most frequently studied animals, and yet there remains a vast amount of knowledge to be gained about these important pollinators. In this exclusive interview, Kiley Friedrich from the Gratton Lab and Agroecology Master’s program at UW–Madison discusses her research on wild bees and their interactions with native plant communities. …
Much of the research conducted in our lab focuses on beneficial insects in agricultural landscapes. Specifically, we investigate how the type and configuration of natural habitat in agricultural landscapes influences beneficial insects and the services they provide (e.g., pest control). In general, the more natural habitat found in a landscape, the more beneficial insects and …
While many spend the final days of October perfecting Halloween costumes and nibbling on sweet treats, bat enthusiasts around the country gather for the annual Bat Week: October 24-31, 2016. This national, week-long event works to raise awareness around bat conservation and dispel many of the fears and misconceptions about our flying friends. Hosted …
Recently, Tracy Campbell joined the Gratton lab (co-advised by Chris Kucharik) as an Agronomy Master’s student. Tracy will be working with Claudio and Chris to organize a symposium on the use of Ecoinformatics (or “Big Data”) in Agricultural Research. To learn more about “big data” in Entomology and Agriculture, click here , here, here, and …
Bumble bees are some of the most relatable, and respected creatures in the insect world. Their thick, furry coat of pile (what entomologists call the hair that covers their bodies), and their easily recognizable buzz make them a charismatic microfauna akin to megafauna like the polar bear. While they certainly are cute and immensely important …